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The Presqu'île, Lyon, France | |
| Presqu'île = the heart of Lyon. | ||
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The Presqu'île of Lyon is formed by the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. This narrow peninsula is home to the lovely Hôtel de Ville, or city hall, as well as many hotels and restaurants. The center of the Presqu'île is the Place Bellecour (map), a large open square that is used for a variety of festivals, concerts, and other large gatherings. You'll know it by the large equestrian statue of Louis XIV.
Place Bellecour is also the location of the Tourist Information Office. In addition, there are lots of restaurants in the streets around the Place. To the north of Bellecour the streets are straight and narrow, reflecting military decisions designed to allow troops to easliy access the Croix-Rousse area, home to silk makers and the site of the Canut (silk weaver) Revolts. Today the streets are lined with shops; in particular the Rue de la République is home to shop after shop. The Hôtel de Ville is located at the Place de Terreaux. A large fountain by Frédéric Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, graces the Place des Terreaux. It was originally commissioned by the city of Bordeaux for the Place Quinconces, but apparently Bordeaux decided it was too expensive, and it was sold to Lyon! Just across the Place is the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum), housed in a former Benedictine Abbey. Nearby are the National Opéra and the Théatre des Célstins. Boat tours on the Saône leave from the Quai des Célestins. More... Don't miss La Fresque des Lyonnais, at the intersection of the Quai St-Vincent and the Rue de la Martinière (map). This colorful building uses trompe l'oeil technique to celebrate some of Lyon's famous citizens. You'll find here everyone from Emperor Claudius to Chef Paul Bocuse to Antoine de St-Exupéry. Keep an eye out as you walk around Lyon and you'll see other trompe l'oeil frescoes.
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Above, Hôtel de Ville of Lyon.
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